Pro Junk Dispatch

What to Look for in a Hoarding Cleanup Service

2016-09-30 By Admin

A professional hoarding cleanup and cleanout service is often necessary for these types of situations. Most people who must deal with the aftermath of a hoarder are simply unprepared and ill-equipped to handle it on their own. The fact of the matter is, there is a lot of scenarios which can unfold in a clean up or clean out. These are typically complicated by a slew of health hazards and safety hazards, which are very common. With a few exceptions, hoarding cleaning is not a do-it-yourself chore.

What to Look for in a Hoarding Cleanup Service

There are several factors which contribute to hoarding and in the vast majority of cases, hoarders are unaware of their obsessive behavior. Many rationalize and this leads to engaging in the same pattern time and again. The trouble is, space is finite and eventually, there is little room left for normal day-t0-day activities, such as sleeping, eating, and more. Some situations are bad enough an entire house hoarding rehabilitation is necessary to make the property livable once again.

Hoarding is the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. The behavior usually has deleterious effects—emotional, physical, social, financial, and even legal—for a hoarder and family members. For those who hoard, the quantity of their collected items sets them apart from other people. Commonly hoarded items may be newspapers, magazines, paper and plastic bags, cardboard boxes, photographs, household supplies, food, and clothing. --Anxiety and Depression Association of America

In these particular situations, it's usually the case very little is salvageable. All furniture needs to go, appliance removal is also necessary, and even fixtures must be repaired or replaced. The whole interior of the home must also be deep cleaned and heavily disinfected. The first step is to hire a professional company to handle the bulk or nearly all of the clean out. Here's what to look for in a hoarding cleanup service:

  • A fair price quote. The truth of the matter is, not all hoarding cleanup services are equal. Although, you will find generally accepted rates. But, definitely beware low ball rate quotes. These are a huge red flag. If you receive a substantially low price quote, the fine print is a great place to look. Ask about inclusive services and what extras will apply.
  • Enough manpower. The hoarding cleanup service industry is highly competitive. There are many "pros" out there but relatively few with the actual staff to do the job right and in a timely manner. Be sure to ask how many people will be in the crew.
  • The right equipment. Here again, it's all about the company's ability to deliver on its promises. You should ask about what tools and equipment are typically necessary for a complete hoarding clean out. A good company will be able to tell you all about the process and how they go about it.
  • Plenty of previous experience. It's okay to ask for references but understand this is usually a delicate situation. Legitimate companies will be happy to provide references. They will also likely offer other services related to hoarding cleanup, like appliance removal, furniture removal, and more.
  • A sensible, realistic time to completion. In many instances, the amount of time needed will surprise you because a good company will work diligently and quickly. However, do expect a sensible and realistic time to complete all the work that is necessary to do the job right.

When you need a professional hoarding clean up service, phone 800-737-5923 or visit Pro Junk Dispatch. Our crew is experienced and well equipped to handle all types of hoarding cleanouts.


Filed Under: Company News